Without a doubt, I have some interesting experiences in this writing and speaking journey of mine. And radio interviews, particularly those conducted by phone, would have to be high on that list.
Recently, the publicist at my publisher organised one such interview with Ian Andersen from 92.9 Voice FM Toowoomba. Now I quite enjoy doing interviews like these, but they always feel a little surreal. After all, how bizarre is it that I can sit at my desk here in Sydney, chatting on the phone with someone I have never met, knowing everything I say is being recorded for any number of people I will probably never meet either to hear?
Just prior to this, I was speaking with an author friend on the phone and telling her about my interview.
‘Oh, well, just make sure you look your best,’ she said in a perfectly normal voice.
I was silent for a moment. What could she mean? Surely she’d heard me say it was a phone interview?
‘You know—like Hyacinth Bucket did!’ she continued a moment later.
I was still mystified, so she went on to explain how this particular character from the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances would make sure she looked as perfect as possible before ever answering the phone. Later I Googled some images of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced ‘Bouquet’)—and there she was in all her glory, complete with make-up and jewellery, answering the phone in her best hat, which matched perfectly with the rest of her outfit!
I loved my friend’s quick sense of humour, while at the same time feeling a little embarrassed at my ignorance of Hyacinth Bucket. But more embarrassment was to come. Not long after, as I sat waiting at my desk for that phone call, I found myself straightening my clothes and tidying my hair. After all, I didn’t know this interviewer and I didn’t want to look too much like the epitome of an author working at home in her disreputable old track pants and top, with messy hair and no make-up! Then I woke up to what I was doing and laughed out loud at myself. Not even my husband was home to see me—and my phone interviewer certainly wouldn’t. Even if he could, would it really make any difference to the quality of our conversation? He probably wouldn’t notice anyway—or care—what I looked like.
As I sat there, I reflected how wonderful it is when family and friends don’t care how we look and accept us as we are. Yes, it’s pleasant to be complimented on our appearance, but it’s good to know too we are loved just as we are. Yet it’s even better, as far as I’m concerned, to know God loves me just as I am, despite the fact that he can see right into my heart and soul to the real me.
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7
God loves me, warts and all, with all my funny ways. Yes, God wants me to become more like Jesus, but in the process, I am still accepted and loved where I am right now. And I’m so glad of that.
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
🙂 Had to smile! Can just imagine you straightening your clothes and patting your hair! Guess it is just instinct! But a good reminder – don’t need to dress up for God! And by the way – try to find some old episodes of Keeping Up Appearances! It’s hilarious!
Yes, I think it was just a kind of reflex action–definitely not old age!! And as time permits, I’ll definitely search out those episodes of Keeping Up Appearances! Also noticed a sermon of yours on Facebook today, I think it was, as I was trying to catch up with the world after being away in Qld for almost three weeks, so will try to listen to that too. Hope everything’s going well for you all. God bless!
Very True Jo- Anne, God does Love us with all our weaknesses and shortcomings and also our warts or as some call them our sins but He tells us to go sin no more He does not accept them and we can not sin because we have been set free and no Temptation is greater then we can bear.
John3:1-11 (9) No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
John 8:34-36 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
The clothes we need to put on after putting our flesh to death are the Fruit of the Spirit by His empowering.
Romans 8 :12-15 Therefore, brothers/ sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. or if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons/daughters of God.
Galatians 24 -26 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Don’t you just Love Scripture Jo- Anne, I had to stop though or you would have had too add a page.
Blessings -Anne
Thanks, Anne. I love how you love Scripture! Just this morning in church we saw how life giving a powerful Scripture passage can be, as a member of our congregation spoke from Isaiah 61:1-3–such a great passage! God bless.
That is one of my most favorite Scriptures Jo-Anne, I have pondered on it many times.
I wonder how many grieve for the broken hearted those who have been abused the Children who are starving. the girls abducted for prostitution , their parents starving to death. So do we grieve for those without Hope and cry with those who cry, Jesus does, He came to heal and set them free from the bondage of sin and punishment. As His Body we are His arms, hands, feet and voice to reach out to a hurting world, are we walking as He walks?
1 John 4:17-19 Herein is our Love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in Love; but perfect Love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in Love. We Love Him, because He first Loved us.
1John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.
Christian Love from both of us – Anne.
Hi Joanne, my latest name – Freedomborn – Aussie Christian Focus, is not being ,accepted by your Blog which is strange as I have used it a few times before, could you check and see if your settings have been changed to moderate
Blessings Anne.
Your comment below has come through okay using your new name ‘Freedomborn-Aussie Christian Focus’, Anne, so maybe it has righted itself. I haven’t changed anything though, but I’ll try to look into it.
No both were not accepted Jo-Anne so I posted both comments again in my other name, Set free Eternally which was accepted with both , now one comment has been changed back, it seems to happen most when it is the week-end in America, perhaps WordPress temp staff have problems with the settings.
Take Care – Anne